Letters

HH tax increases

April 7, 2016

To the Editor
The paper has been inundated lately with letters to the editor regarding garbage issues and tax increases. Here is yet another one. I would like to point out some information as I know it.
As advised by staff – $251,000 was being paid to the garbage contractor and this service ended Dec. 31, 2014. We did not see a decrease in our taxes as a result of the cancellation of this service and further the funds were not allocated to the reserves. In reviewing the financial statements, it appears to me this money has become “found money.” In 2015 we saw a 3.9 per cent tax increase. 1.5 per cent of that increase was to be allocated to the reserves for landfills and roads. During question period at the March 16 council meeting I asked what figure was used to calculate the 1.5 per cent and further how much went to the reserves for landfills and roads. I was advised that the sum of $85,647 was generated and of that $42,824 was transferred to the reserves for roads and $42,823 was transferred to the reserves for landfills. I am unclear as to the amount that has been used to determine these amounts. I then privately asked if we would continue to see these transfers to reserves this year and years ahead and I was told no, this was only for 2015. I reviewed the original motion that saw the 1.5 per cent increase and note it was just for 2015 and the total figure noted in the original motion was $85,647.
Now I am furious as all of the ratepayers should be. We continue to essentially pay for curbside garbage collection without having the service and the additional 1.5 per cent levied last year will continue to be charged to the ratepayers but the funds going to the reserves will not. Now they are proposing a 4.8 per cent increase. Where will it end.
I am writing the Ontario Ombudsman and would urge all ratepayers do the same. I would also urge all ratepayers attend the public budget meeting which will likely be coming up shortly. If we do not take a stand now who knows where this will end.
Dorothy Gerrow
Lake St. Peter